Approximately five million people paid to visit the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo during the six months between May and November of 1901. The organizers were determined to show every one of them a good time. From the educational exhibits in the Ethnology and Electricity Buildings to the cultural experiences of the Temple of Music and the Art Building to the fantasy world of the Midway, there were a wide variety of exhibits and attractions that awaited each visitor, in essence something to appeal to every person.
With so many choices, numerous guide books and maps were produced to assist the visitors in making the best use of their time. While most focused on the Exposition, for that is why the people were coming to Buffalo, they also included information about Buffalo's other prominent landmarks including Forest Lawn Cemetery, City and County Hall, Delaware Park, and Buffalo Savings Bank. Most tour books also included information on visiting Niagara Falls, which was a short 30-minute train ride from the Exposition grounds.
Organizers also believed that no visit to the Pan-Am would be complete without a keepsake and vendors at the Exposition produced many souvenirs to tempt visitors. In addition to items with the official logo designed by Raphael Beck, souvenirs featuring images of the buildings, playing on the "buffalo" and "pan" themes, or even just the words "Pan-American Exposition" were purchased in the hundreds by the visitors, eager to have something to remember their trip to the Pan-Am. These items are now quite rare and valuable, but at the time, they were abundant and very common. Local businesses also used the Exposition as an advertising tool by placing their logo or information about their company on items associated with the Pan-Am, hoping to attract the visitors to their stores, hotels and restaurants. The Pan-Am was not only the place to be in the summer of 1901, but it was also the thing to be associated with.
Grab your admission ticket (50 cents please) and let's take
